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Non-Verbal Reasoning · Guide 3 of 8

Shape analogies

The first picture changes into the second. Do exactly the same thing to the third picture to find the fourth.

  • Ages 9 to 11
  • 11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning
  • Worked examples

What is it?

A shape analogy works like a word analogy: 'this is to that as this is to ?'. You see a pair of pictures, then a third picture on its own.

Work out every change from the first picture to the second, then make the same changes to the third.

Which picture completes the second pair?

?

How to spot it

  • Two pictures joined by an arrow, then a third picture and an empty box.
  • The question may say 'is to … as … is to'.

Step-by-step method

  1. Step 1: Look at the first pair. Write a list of every change: shape, size, shading, turn, flip, added or removed parts.
  2. Step 2: Check the list by imagining the changes on picture 1. Do you get picture 2 exactly?
  3. Step 3: Make the same changes, in the same way, to picture 3.
  4. Step 4: Compare with the options and cross out any that miss a change.

Worked examples

Example 1: getting smaller

Question: Big circle is to small circle as big square is to …? (above)
  1. Step 1: Change: the shape keeps its outline and shading but gets smaller.
  2. Step 2: So the big square becomes a small white square.

Answer: A small white square

Example 2: two changes

Question: Which picture completes the pair?
?
  1. Step 1: Change 1: the triangle turns upside down (a half turn).
  2. Step 2: Change 2: it goes from white to black.
  3. Step 3: Do both to the arrow: turn it to point down and colour it black.

Answer: A black arrow pointing down

Example 3: adding a side

Question: Triangle is to square as pentagon is to …?
?
  1. Step 1: 3 sides become 4 sides: the shape gains one side.
  2. Step 2: A pentagon has 5 sides, so the answer has 6.

Answer: A hexagon

Common traps

  • Missing a second change

    If the shape gets smaller and turns black, an option that is only smaller is wrong.

  • Turned or flipped?

    A triangle pointing down could be turned or mirrored. With arrows and flags the difference matters, so check carefully.

  • Copying the second picture

    The answer is the third picture changed, not a copy of the second picture.

Top tips

  • Write your list of changes down: 'smaller, black, half turn'.
  • Tick each change off as you check each option.

Practice questions

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